Agave americana , commonly called the Century Plant , is asucculent plantnative toMexico . It can grow outdoors year - round inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones8 to 10 . It is the largest of theAgaves . The stem canker grow from 5 to 7 feet ( 1.5 to 2.1 m ) tall and 8 to 12 feet ( 2.4 to 3.6 m ) in diam . Century Plant have a dramatic accent flora with its profane or aristocratic - gray leaves , black spines , and showy , jaundiced - green blossom . Despite its renowned validity , Century Plant can still suffer from a few cultural , disease , andpest problem .
Century Plant can tolerate various cultural conditions as long as it is plant infast - drain dirt . badly draining soils make the plant susceptible to fungal pathogen that cause ascendent rot . This Agave can come through down to 15 ° F ( -15 ° C ) , but the broad , fleshy leaves will suffer from halt damage if the temperature drops below freeze for several 60 minutes . Freeze - damage tissue turn black , dry out , and looks unsightly . The damage can not be repaired , but most Century Plants will reclaim . Prevent freeze damage by cover the plant with a weak cotton canvas when your expanse is expected to suspend .
Although the Century Plant is not associated with severe disease problems , root decomposition can be a problem in poorly debilitate or overly damp soils . Root rot causes wilting , scrawny growth , and leave that discolor . alas , this fungal contagion can not be handle once it occurs . Anthracnose is another episodic trouble when fungal pathogen flourish in overly dampish grease conditions . This disease induce lesions on the leave , with red or orange spore masses develop inside the sores . Remove any anthracnose - infect plant tissue promptly to forbid the disease from spreading .
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For the most part , Century Plant does not have serious pest problems , but there is one exclusion . Root rot typically goes hand in hand with Agave snout weevil infestations . pornographic female person chew on the plant ’s base to lay eggs in the infected plant tissue paper . The larvae hatch and tunnel their agency into the heart of the plant . Severely infected Century Plants look wrinkled or shrivel up and let loose a foul olfactory property . The rotting plant life tissue eventually collapses , and the industrial plant dies . keep in line theAgavesnout weevil is difficult , but spraying the works ’s infrastructure with a broad - spectrum insect powder in the natural spring can often aid preclude infestations .
Avoid Century Plant problems by providing your plant with the best potential growing precondition . Although it can stand some wanton shade , this succulent performs best when planted in full sun . Century Plant produce best in flaxen or gritty dirt with ironic to medium moisture . This drought - tolerant plant only needs occasional watering in dry summertime weather to remain healthy . Give the plant mountain of elbow room to grow and ensure it is planted off from foot dealings . The sharp spines can poke you and cause your pelt to swell painfully .
Source : sfgate.com
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